Did you know this month is Organic September?
Organic September is a month long campaign hosted by the Soil Association to raise awareness of the many benefits of organic food and farming methods.
The Soil Association are a national charity that looks at how we can transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world. They have created the Organic September campaign to help educate consumers and producers alike about the benefits of organic farming and food production. The campaign runs through the whole of September, ahead of the COP26 Climate Summit this November, highlighting how organic methods are much better for the environment and our health.
According to the campaign, organic farming and food production is the most beneficial way to produce food and drink for a healthy diet and to affect real change in the face of a climate emergency.
As it is Organic September and we’re always keen to introduce consumers to new and exciting producers working in an environmentally friendly way, we thought we would explore what the Soil Association and other organisations promoting Organic September actually mean when they talk about Organic Food.
When we describe food and drink as being “organic” what we’re really talking about is the farming method. Organic is basically a system of farming that aims to produce high quality produce using methods that benefit the whole system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare. It is a method that is the most kind to our environment and one that is being encouraged in the face of climate change.
No other defined system of farming and food production comes close to delivering so many benefits for wildlife, society and the natural world. Farmers using this method work within a strict set of standards to ensure that their land sustains the health of the soil, eco system, animals and people.
In practice, organic food means fewer pesticides, no artificial fertilisers and higher animal welfare standard. These standards insist that animals are truly free range, with plenty of space and fresh air and raised in conditions that encourage natural behaviours, meaning smaller flocks and herds with access to the outdoors – something that reduces many issues that farm animals can suffer from. This means there is no routine use of antibiotics, something that is widespread in non organic agriculture. When animals are farmed to organic standards, there is no need to rely on antibiotics and other medications which in turn is better for human health.
As you might expect, using organic farming methods means that there are no GM ingredients involved and no artificial colours and preservatives.
Now you know a little more about what makes food organic, stock up on some fresh, locally sourced and ethically farmed produce from our members.
